Chapter 26: Is there a connection to my Past world?
[I left the part time job. It is rather mental stress]
[My goal from now on, studies, semester projects. writing fanfic this one, I am thinking of creating a new one. you will see my genuine effort from now on.]
[For patreon, Daily one chapter, weekly 6. for other platforms, weekly 3. Sunday is rest for me, no updates on that day.]
..........
At Tazuna's House
Sasuke, still resting in his bed in the Tazuna's House, stirred in his sleep as faint noises echoed through the walls. Suddenly, a loud crash made him awake.
BAM!
The sound of the gate breaking was clear. Sasuke rushed to the window and peeked outside. His sharp eyes caught sight of four rough-looking men dragging Tazuna's grandson, Inari, out of the house.
"Help!" Inari cried, struggling against the goon's hand.
Sasuke grabbed his kunai and dashed outside without hesitation. His Sharingan activated, glowing red.
"You picked the wrong house," Sasuke said coldly.
The goons sneered. "A kid? You think you can take us on?"
Sasuke smirked. "Try me."
Outside the Ice Sphere
On the bridge, Kakashi and Zabuza were locked in a fierce battle. Their jutsus clashed violently, sending shockwaves rippling through the air.
Zabuza's massive sword swung in wide arcs, but Kakashi countered every move with his Sharingan, and using kunai to defend knowing the pattern the sword moves, mimicking Zabuza's jutsu attacks and countering them.
"You're slowing down, Zabuza," Kakashi blunted out.
Zabuza growled, with frustration. "Don't think you've won, Copy Ninja!"
Despite his focus on Zabuza, Kakashi kept glancing toward the ice sphere. His concern grew. That masked boy...even though he is f same age as naruto, he's not like the others. His strength is almost on par with Zabuza's. Naruto, be careful.
Meanwhile, Sakura stood at the bridge's entrance, her heart pounding as Gato's motorboat reached the shore.
Dozens of armed goons appeared holding their weapons. Nearly a hundred men began marching toward the bridge entrance, with Gato as the leader.
Sakura's hands trembled. She tightened her grip on her kunai, whispering under her breath, "Naruto, hurry...come fast"
Inside the Ice Sphere
Naruto stood in the center of the icy domain, his crimson sword is glowing. The cold bit into his skin, but his fiery chakra kept him warm.
"Come out already!" he commanded, his voice echoing in the frozen land.
Suddenly, a massive ice spike shot toward him from the mid air. Naruto reacted instantly, slicing the spike cleanly in half with his sword.
The shattered ice scattered into pieces and fell down, but more spikes erupted from all directions from the mid air, aiming at Naruto and got launched.
Naruto swung his sword in a blur of motion, deflecting and destroying the icy onslaught. The sound of shattering ice filled the sphere.
From somewhere unseen, Haku's voice echoed. "Who are you fighting for?"
Naruto paused, his eyes narrowing. "Are you sane, asking me that in the middle of a fight?"
Haku's voice remained calm. "Why do you want to become strong, Naruto?"
"For myself," Naruto replied without hesitation.
Haku's voice grew soft. "You will never achieve true strength if you fight for yourself. True power comes from fighting for something-or someone-you care about."
Naruto chuckled. "That's cute, but it's flawed. What happens when you set a goal and reach it? Your growth stops then and there. if you fight for someone/something and you sacrifice yourself for it, what good it will be for you if you don't enjoy the results?"
He raised his sword, "My why is simple: set no goals, don't fight for anyone or anything. Just constant improvement. Break your limits, over and over. That's how you truly become strong."
Naruto's words struck a nerve. Haku's calm demeanor cracked, anger replacing his usual composure.
"Wrong!" Haku shouted, stepping out of the shadows. His face was a storm of emotion, his hands trembling. "I don't believe you! I've fought my whole life for Zabuza-sama! That's my purpose! That's my strength!"
Haku dashed toward Naruto, his movements quick and precise, aiming to strike him down.
Naruto smirked. "did I struck a nerve, you've come out of your shell."
Haku's attack came swift and direct, but as his blow landed, Naruto's figure distorted, vanishing into thin air. Its the after mirage that he often used in martial world.
"What--?!" Haku gasped.
Before he could react, Naruto appeared behind him. With a series of lightning-fast strikes, Naruto pressed specific points on Haku's body.
Haku's limbs went limp as he collapsed to the ground. He struggled to move but found himself paralyzed.
Naruto knelt beside him, "I pressed meridian points, and it seems they are chakra points too. his cakra flow got stopped. is there a connection between this world and my past world."
Haku's eyes widened. "What... what are you talking about?"
Naruto with a smile says "You don't need to know about that and I will make good use of you"
Haku is laying on the ground with no movement, his mind racing with confusion and frustration. and Naruto is standing before him.
(....to be continued)